Buffalo Bills News - July 23, 2002

Bills abound in questions as work begins [5:28 AM]D and C reports:
'What Drew Bledsoe did the Bills get? The quarterback who threw for 128 TDs and guided four playoff teams in his first six seasons in New England or the one who was sacked 105 times and threw more interceptions (39) than touchdowns (38) the past three years?'

Autograph tips [5:27 AM]D and C reports:
'Be patient. It may take minutes, hours and even days to get your guy.'

Revamped Bills once again excite fans [5:26 AM]D and C reports:
'"We can't keep much of the new merchandise in the store. We have back orders on the new jerseys that we are trying to fill."'

New blood makes team easier to market [5:24 AM]D and C reports:
'"We had to do a lot of things last year that weren't very comfortable," said Donahoe, referring to the release of nearly 20 players, including Doug Flutie, Henry Jones, Ted Washington and Antowain Smith. "But they had to be done to try and get the team on the right course. We feel we're on the track. We haven't headed very far down the track, but at least we're on the track."'

Completing blockbuster possible 'steal for Buffalo' [5:23 AM]D and C reports:
'That fact has left skeptics asking that if the 30-year-old Bledsoe is a player in his prime, with five or six good seasons ahead of him, as the Bills are convinced, why then were they the only serious bidder?'

Buffalo Bills Practice Schedule released [12:52 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change. Fans are encouraged to call the team's training camp hotline (800-441-5942) or keep checking back to this page for more accurate information.

Norwood proves he is a winner [12:45 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
When Scott Norwood returned to Buffalo this past weekend to participate in the Jim Kelly-Dan Marino "Final Showdown" flag football game, he proved to everybody that he is a winner.

July 22, 2002

Peter King: Monday Morning QB [2:28 PM]CNN/SI reports:
#4. I think Drew Bledsoe will be reborn in Buffalo. You know how much fun it'll be for him to launch the deep ball to Peerless Price and Eric Moulds? He didn't have that in New England after Terry Glenn imploded.

Kelly wins the comeback showdown [2:08 PM]WKBW reports:
Jim Kelly can still lead a comeback. The former Buffalo Bills quarterback, retired for five years, sparked a 23-point third quarter as the Buffalo Bills All-Stars beat the N-F-L All-Stars 42-34 tonight in an exhibition flag football game.

Kelly And Company Win Final Showdown [11:37 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
Five years from retirement and two weeks from becoming the fourth member of the Buffalo Bills organization to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jim Kelly showed his arm still has what it takes to lead the Bills to an exciting win over long-time rival Dan Marino.

Major reconstruction begins for Bills' offense [9:11 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Gilbride envisions a balanced offense that takes advantage of the players' strengths. He also wants to use various formations and personnel groups to keep defenses guessing.'

Kelly, Marino relive old days [9:10 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"Even though Dan and me were competitors on the football field, when he comes up here, people realize what he's all about."'

Jim and Hunter - teamed for the game of life [9:09 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"I thought about the things every dad thinks about, about going in the backyard and being able to toss a football around, or a baseball, or going camping, doing all the things fathers do with their sons," Kelly said. "We can't do that but, through him, we're going to help other people. We know we're on the right path."'

Thurman ducks heat after autograph session [9:08 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"I'm telling you, since I retired, the only exercise I've had is this motion right here," Thomas said, lifting his hand to his mouth to signal drinking. "I'm even out of shape for an autograph session. There's no way I'm in shape for a game."'

Family keeps close tabs on the Bills [9:06 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'That's because the "McGillicuddy boys," as they're called by Bills officials, serve as official team statisticians and historians for all of the home games.'

Marino-Kelly one more time [5:37 AM]Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel reports:
'"Yeah, we had some plays," Clayton said. "We'd draw them up in the grass. Dan'd sit there and say, What can you do?' and What can you do?'"'

Kelly Beats Marino In Final Showdown [5:34 AM]WROC-TV reports:
'...and William "The Refrigerator" Perry, who's nickname is now, at best, an understatement. (Perry's jersey was cut halfway up each side so it would fit.)'

July 21, 2002

Robinson says group to replace him is solid [4:45 PM]Nashville Tennessean reports:
'Robinson, 32, had a chance to return to the Titans, but the offer came with no promises about playing time. So he opted to sign with the Bills, where he stands to see the field a lot more.'

Tickets for practices sold out [2:31 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
Tickets for the teamís two Monday evening practices during the Buffalo Bills Bausch & Lomb Training Camp have been SOLD OUT. 1,000 tickets remain for the scrimmage with the Browns.

Tall tales, fat lies litter NFL rosters [12:52 PM]New Orleans Times Picayune reports:
The Saints' search for a backup running back is ongoing but could end this week with the possible signing of Terry Allen. The club continues to try and work a deal for Buffalo's Shawn Bryson, but the sides are far apart in compensation. The Bills want a third-round draft pick. The Saints gained some leverage when the Eagles, who were also interested in Bryson, signed Dorsey Levens.

Hard road to stardom [9:56 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'This is a guy who refuses to wear the Super Bowl ring he won with the St. Louis Rams in 1999.'